Little Flash Help

[joe27]

I have tried doing a couple of searches, but did not have any luck.

Right now I have a Canon EOS Rebel XSI, 18-55mm, but soon after the replacement for the Nikon D90 comes out I want to make the move to Nikon. In the mean time, I am thinking of getting a good flash, but of course I want one that will work with both systems. Are there any decent options out there, or am I stuck until I move from Canon to Nikon?

[OsmosisStudios]

You can get off-brand flashes that will work with either system, but they'll likely be pretty dumb flashes: just a trigger, no TTL or things like that, and likely no nice slaving without transmitter/receiver.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

You can get off-brand flashes that will work with either system, but they'll likely be pretty dumb flashes: just a trigger, no TTL or things like that, and likely no nice slaving without transmitter/receiver.

+1

Why the move to Nikon?

[joe27]

I was reading about the Vivitar DF-283, and I think it would work, but the recycle time can take up to 7 seconds. Way to long.

@oldwolf: I tend to focus on low light landscapes and sunsets, indoor gatherings, and starting to venture into Macro. From what I have read, the Nikon (at least at the D90 level) pushes a little more into the advance amateur stage. I like that Nikon allows you to have more advanced user settings, and has more settings at your fingertips.

In my canon how to set the aperture and shutter are dependent on the mode while Nikon uses the same way. Also, I have read the Nikon allows for data embedding so that all my photos will have my info.

I think both take equally great photos, but as far as I know it is more of a Ford or Chevy type conversation.

So, I figure if I want to convert I should do it now rather than later.

[gturner]

Originally Posted by joe27

So, I figure if I want to convert I should do it now rather than later.

thats a good enough reason really.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by joe27

I was reading about the Vivitar DF-283, and I think it would work, but the recycle time can take up to 7 seconds. Way to long.

@oldwolf: I tend to focus on low light landscapes and sunsets, indoor gatherings, and starting to venture into Macro. From what I have read, the Nikon (at least at the D90 level) pushes a little more into the advance amateur stage. I like that Nikon allows you to have more advanced user settings, and has more settings at your fingertips.

In my canon how to set the aperture and shutter are dependent on the mode while Nikon uses the same way. Also, I have read the Nikon allows for data embedding so that all my photos will have my info.

I think both take equally great photos, but as far as I know it is more of a Ford or Chevy type conversation.

So, I figure if I want to convert I should do it now rather than later.

I think most of the issues you're having can be solved with a higher end Canon and glass which is what you'd have to do with Nikon as well. You can embed your info in your files with Canon. You just need to use their software that comes with the camera to do it. I have my info embedded in my pictures.

I'm not sure what you mean by the aperture and shutter are dependent on the mode because if you were shooting in manual you could set them independently.

Not trying to discourage you from going to Nikon but I think if you looked at Canon more you'd notice that their line of cameras will do everything that you're having issues with.

I would go to a store and try the Nikon out for a few though just to see if you like it or not.

Yes, I'm a Canon shooter but the reason I bring up these points is because I know of someone that made the jump pretty big, eneded up spending lots of money on Nikon gear only to end up going back to Canon. They just didn't know how to use the gear that they had. *shrug*

Good luck with the switch if you decide to to the Nikon route. My sister shoots Nikon but we just tell everyone she's adopted.

[mattdm]

You could get a flash using the Metz SCA system, like the mecablitz 54 MZ-4i digital. These work in auto/TTL mode using swapable per-brand modules, which will run you about $85 each — and which should be able to be resold for about the same.

Originally Posted by joe27

@oldwolf: I tend to focus on low light landscapes and sunsets, indoor gatherings, and starting to venture into Macro. From what I have read, the Nikon (at least at the D90 level) pushes a little more into the advance amateur stage. I like that Nikon allows you to have more advanced user settings, and has more settings at your fingertips.

In my canon how to set the aperture and shutter are dependent on the mode while Nikon uses the same way. Also, I have read the Nikon allows for data embedding so that all my photos will have my info.

I think both take equally great photos, but as far as I know it is more of a Ford or Chevy type conversation.

So, I figure if I want to convert I should do it now rather than later.

Have you looked at Pentax?

[joe27]

Depending on the priority mode the camera is in the dial will change the aperture and shutter. I guess this would be more for cheating and jumping into the other modes rather than using manual. I have a while so I will continue to focus on working the 450D to its fullest, and get my hands on a Nikon to play with for a day or two.

I always liked Canon, but have never really used a Nikon DSLR or SLR.

The Metz looks like a good option.

I forgot to mention I have an old Vivitar 2000, but from what I understand it is only good for turning a 450D into a paperweight.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by joe27

...I forgot to mention I have an old Vivitar 2000, but from what I understand it is only good for turning a 450D into a paperweight.

Yeah, that one's pretty high, and is likely to spike past the 250V limit. A Wein safesync is definitely called for you if you want to use it on the camera, and it may even be too much for some radio triggers, Strobist-wise.

Personally, if you want to do on-camera flash and you know you're going to move to Nikon, just get a Nikon speedlight, and don't worry about using it on both systems. If you're going to do off-camera Strobist flash, then ditch eTTL/iTTL goodies, and just get a manual-only flash, and you should be fine on both systems.

I would also say, depending on the glass you have, before ditching Canon for Nikon, you may want to consider the upcoming Canon 60D--which is exactly at the same higher-level tier as the D90, and designed for the advanced amateur. Despite some folks sneering that it's only a dRebel--they're associating the plastic body with dRebels in a way that's not justified by the actual controls of the 60D. It is definitely a mid-tier camera, with UI/controls that resemble the 7D and 5DMkII more than they do a 550D and you definitely have more settings and more settings at your fingertips with it.

I'm curious what you mean by "data embedding", though. Both Canons and Nikons perform EXIF information embedding on their images, and I agree with most everyone else in this thread that your reasons for moving to Nikon are easily addressed on the Canon side of the fence, and aren't necessarily reasons to switch systems.

[Stina3246]

I am a loyal Nikon fan, my husband will ONLY use canon so you can imagine the arguments in our house! However we have decided that honestly, both cameras are great user friendly high quality cameras. His does a little more of this mine a little more of that but we are both happy. (Although it means 2 sets of everything) I for one am glad to welcome you to the Nikon side!!
I use a Nikon speedlight 600 flash and it's relatively inexpensive. You can use it on camera or as a slave tethered or wireless. (Not sure if that's the right terminology but you can use it on or off your camera) AND it works with my husbands Canon as well. The only problem I've had with it is if you don't get the extended life batteries it goes through them pretty quick. Good luck